The Resurrection is Symphony No. 2 composed by which composer?

• A. Beethoven
• B. Brahms
• C. Mahler
• D. Chopin

Answer: (C)

Think of a major late-Romantic symphony that culminates in a triumphant choral finale about life after death. That points to Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, commonly known as Resurrection. This work is built around a vast emotional arc—from dark, turbulent opening movements to a luminous final movement where soloists and the choir proclaim renewal and redemption. The text for the choral finale comes from Friedrich Klopstock’s Die Auferstehung, underscoring the theme of rising again beyond death. The scale, the use of chorus and solo voices, and the existential message are all hallmarks of Mahler’s approach, making him the composer associated with this piece. While Beethoven’s choral tradition exists, the specific Resurrection title and Mahler’s signature fusion of vast orchestration with a spiritual, revelatory climax distinguish this symphony.